PML-N vs PTI: Atta Tarrar and Sadaqat Abbasi lock horns

ISLAMABAD:  Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Atta Tarrar and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) leader Sadaqat Abbasi engaged in a heated exchange, trading accusations during an episode of Hum Dekhenge hosted by Mansoor Ali Khan on HUM News.

During the programme, Abbasi pointed out that the PTI chief stood firm against US directives to dethrone the sitting government. He emphasised that the leader’s imprisonment was due to his loyalty to the nation rather than allegations of corruption.

“We are not slaves of US like PML-N leadership, we always have said that we are allies and will talk on equal grounds,” Abbasi said

Host Mansoor Ali Khan posed a question to Abbasi, enquiring if the PTI would expel the US ambassador if they returned to power, given their claims of US involvement in toppling the previous PTI government. Abbasi responded with a clear negative, expressing the party’s intention to foster social, economic, and diplomatic relations with the US, albeit on a balanced basis.

Meanwhile, Abbasi brought up the subject of the upcoming general elections. Expanding on his stance, the host, Khan, posed a question to Tarrar about the Supreme Court’s potential call for elections to be held on time and whether the PMLN would offer its backing.

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“Delimitation process is a time consuming process, given that new districts have been established. I believe elections cannot be held within the 90-day timeframe,” Tarrar replied.

However, Abbasi underscored the constitution’s unwavering nature and asserted that elections would indeed occur within the stipulated 90 days. He said that the performance of PML-N would be evident, referencing their perceived lack of voter support.

In reply, Tarrar referred to how PTI was formed and the difficulties it faced, including claims of forcing people to join. He described the party’s quick rise and fall as a sign of its instability.

Meanwhile, host Khan chimed in, acknowledging PTI’s popularity and strong voter base. Tarrar then highlighted the importance of rural voters and pointed out that PML-N also has a significant voter presence.

Moreover, Tarrar compared PML-N’s time in power in 2013, marked by progress, to PTI taking over a developed nation in 2018, which he believes declined under PTI’s leadership.

When asked about PTI’s economic policy mistakes, Abbasi pointed to the current struggles of the public, blaming rising electricity expenses and bills for their hardships.